The greatest lesson we can give our children is ourselves. They watch us and they learn. They watch our reaction to conflict, and learn to either be compassionate or to hate. They watch us in the community and learn to either give or take. They watch us when we worship and when we don't. They watch us in our truths and in our lies.

How selfish of me to complain and pout and throw a tantrum because my children needed more of me than I thought they should this week. One day they'll be busy with new lives they create, and I'll ache for the day they needed me, wanted me.

Single-minded emphasis produces single-talented kids. Balance takes varied experiences and experiences takes time; and there is no substitute for time.

Now, those hands, those giant hands, rested on the man’s chest. Their work was done — til the Lord needs help with that old tractor that won’t start.

She was a homemaker — the person responsible for making the home.

I was always proud of you, even when you didn’t think you deserved it. I never wanted perfection. I just wanted you to be happy, and we’re all happiest when we’re exceeding past that point where we thought we couldn’t go.